Peaceful in nature, the Jarawa tribe has been living in the Andaman Nicobar Islands for decades

Andaman Nicobar is an integral part of India’s tourism industry. Every year, lakhs of Indian and foreign tourists visit the group of islands to enjoy the beaches and coral reefs. However, there is another thing that brings tourists to the islands; that thing is the Jarawa tribe. In the following paragraphs, we have compiled some facts about one of the most isolated tribes on our planet. 

What is the importance of this article?

As per an article published by Survival International, the Indian Ocean has been the home of the Jarawa tribe for 55,000 years. However, the tribe made its first peaceful contact with modern-day society in 1997 or 1998. The tribe keeps itself isolated and abides by its own rules and regulations. Not touched by technology or politics, the tribe must be left alone, but at the same time, people must be aware of their existence. 

Location of settlement and population

Around 100 kilometres from Port Blair, which is the capital town of Andaman Nicobar, the Jarawa tribe lives in an area named Baratang. As per many sources on the internet, the population of the Jarawa tribe is around 400. They usually live in groups of 40-50 and they live in houses called chhaddas. As per data published by the Indian Mirror, between 1999 and 2006, an epidemic of measles led to the death of almost 10 per cent of the Jarawa tribe members. 

Jarawa tribe members are proficient hunters

Jarawa tribe hunters are not hostile, but they continue to use handmade weapons to hunt pigs, turtles, fishes and more. Not to forget, they also gather fruits, vegetables, honey and more. Moving on to the attire of the tribe, the members irrespective of gender do not wear clothes but shed their bodies with ornaments. Also, the hunters are known for using body armours to protect themselves from prey. 

Contact with the outside world, forced settlement and the government’s decision to let them live peacefully

Before 1997 or 1998, the Jarawa tribe was known as hostiles. At times, they attacked adjoining habitats. However, they made peaceful contact with the Indian government. Plans were made to settle or make the Jarawa tribe a part of the mainstream society, but the Indian government decided to let the Jarawa live as per their wish and therefore, the government has never intervened or imposed anything on the tribe and its people.